A NATIONWIDE strike in Belgium has brought air, rail and road transport to a halt and forced many businesses to close, in protest over government austerity, reports the BBC News.
The newly elected conservative government, headed by Prime Minister Charles Michel, 38, the youngest PM since 1841, plans to save EUR11 billion (US$13.7 billion) in five years.
Hundreds of flights to and from Belgium have been cancelled, as well as Eurostar services to Brussels. The 24-hour strike is the largest to have taken place in Belgium for many years.
Specifically, strikers oppose Mr Michel's decision to scrap a cost-of-living wage rise next year supporting current law that mandates wages to rise at the same pace as inflation.
They are also protesting against public sector cutbacks and plans to increase the retirement age.
WORLD SHIPPING
17 December 2014 - 21:51
Transport strike hits Belgium to protest state austerity measures
A NATIONWIDE strike in Belgium has brought air, rail and road transport to a halt and forced many businesses to close, in protest over government austerity, reports the BBC News.
WORLD SHIPPING
17 December 2014 - 21:51
Transport strike hits Belgium to protest state austerity measures
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